Quality of Life Violations
The Borough of Blawnox passed a Quality of Life Ordinance, in July of 2019, which establishes a ticket process for certain property maintenance violations. The purpose of this ordinance was to shorten the time it takes for the Code Enforcement Officer to handle time sensitive violations. Some examples of property maintenance violations that will be addressed using this ordinance include: high weeds and grass; an accumulation of rubbish or garbage on the exterior of the property; municipal waste out too early or not in containers; storing unregistered, unlicensed, inoperative or disassembled motor vehicles; and placing indoor furniture outside.
The process for a Quality of Life Violation will start with a courtesy hang tag, for first time offenders, and the property owner will be given 24 hours to address the issue. After that 24 hour period if the violation remains the Code Enforcement Officer will be able to write a $25 ticket for the first violation in a 12 month period. The second and third violation in a 12-month period will result in $50 and $100 tickets respectively. After the third violation the CEO has the right to issue a non-traffic citation.
What Happens if I Receive a Quality of Life Ticket?
If you are issued a Quality of Life Ticket, please read over the whole ticket. If you have any questions about the ticket you received contact the Borough Office at 412-828-4141.
All Quality of Life Tickets will have the following information:
- Date and Time
- Owner Name
- Address of the Violation
- Code Enforcement Officer Name
- Description of the Violation
- The Penalty for the Violation
- Payment and Appeals Instructions
Tickets can be paid in person at the Borough Office, dropped in the slot beside the front door, or mailed.
Right to Appeal
All Quality of Life Violation Tickets must be paid or appealed within ten (10) days of the violation. A person in receipt of a violation ticket may appeal to the Borough Council by filing an appeal request in writing, on the appeal form, within ten (10) calendar days of the date of the violation ticket, stating the reasons for appeal, and accompanied by the appropriate fine amount. If abatement or other costs were associated with the violation, these will be posted, along with the appeal. The appeal will be addressed by Borough Council at the next scheduled public meeting following the filing of the appeal. The violator may address the Borough Council at this public meeting prior to the Borough Council voting on the appeal. By majority vote of the Borough Council, the appeal may be upheld, denied, or the violation ticket and/ or any associated costs, fines or penalty amounts modified. Borough Council will issue written notice of the decision, along with any refund applicable.
Failure to Comply
Abatement of Violation: The Borough of Blawnox has the right to abate the violation in question at the expense of the owner if the violation is not abated by the property owner within five (5) business days. If the violation presents an imminent danger and/or pose a health hazard and/or risk, at the discretion of the Code Enforcement Officer, the Borough can perform the abatement immediately. The Borough will perform this work at a rate of $60 per hour, per man. The Borough will also charge for any material purchases plus an additional 20% for expenses such as wear and tear on equipment. If the Borough abates the violation, the cost may be charged to the owner of the property, the tenant or offending party. A bill/ invoice will be generated for payment and the payment will be separate from the quality of life ticket. The Borough also has the right to direct a contractor to perform the abatement on their behalf. The contractor will submit a bill for his work to the Borough of Blawnox, and the Borough will forward these costs to the violator. The Borough has the right to add a $10.00 processing fee in addition to the cost of the contractor.
Violation Ticket Penalties: If a person in possession of a $25 ticket does not pay within 10 days they will be subject to a $10 penalty. If that ticket is not paid within 20 days an additional $20 penalty will be assessed. If a person in possession of a $50 ticket does not pay within 10 days they will be subject to a $20 penalty. If that ticket is not paid within 20 days an additional $40 penalty will be assessed. If a person in possession of a $100 ticket does not pay within 10 days they will be subject to a $50 penalty. If that ticket is not paid within 20 days an additional $75 penalty will be assessed. If a ticket is not paid within thirty days a non-traffic citation will be issued for failure to pay.
Citation Fines: Any person, firm or corporation who shall fail, neglect, or refuse to comply with any of the terms or provisions of this Ordinance, shall, upon conviction before the Magisterial District Judge, be ordered to pay a fine of no less than $300.00 and not more than $1000.00 on each offense.